Extra security measures are being taken at the B.C. Legislature this morning after a soldier was shot at the War Memorial in Ottawa.
Global News Legislative Bureau Chief Keith Baldrey says that the legislature is “under lock down” and the public is not allowed inside unless they have a prearranged appointment or pre-scheduled tour. Normally, the Legislature opens to the public at 9 a.m.
Additional guards are posted at entrances to the Legislature and identification is being checked. Only officials are being allowed in at this time.
Legislatures across Canada have been closed to the public this morning in wake of the shootings. The U.S. embassy in Ottawa is also on lock down due to the shooting.
Health Minister Terry Lake says he’s concerned for his colleagues in Ottawa and the family of the slain soldier.
“We often take our security for granted in Canada, because we don’t see the same level of violence that we often see in other countries,” he says.
Lake says he feels safe coming to work at the Legislature.
“The people who look after our security here do a great job; they tend to be low-key but very effective.”
Premier Christy Clark says her thoughts are with people in Ottawa.
This afternoon’s regular Legislative assembly will go ahead as scheduled.
Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen said on twitter that if the shooting had occurred an hour later, there would have been even more people in Parliament.
MP offices across B.C. will be closed today due to the events in Ottawa.
Other provincial politicians also weighed in on twitter.
In Vancouver, Transit Police say they are stepping up security on Skytrain and buses.
LIVE BLOG: Three shooting incidents in Ottawa
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